Greater Than: Day 5

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes that following Jesus is not just about making a one-time decision, but about experiencing a lifestyle change. We've been forgiven through the cross, but it's about more than just being "cleaned up" - it's about having direct access to God and building a relationship with Him. This is made possible because of the Cross and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Key Scripture References

• Matthew 22:37-40 - Jesus' most important command is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This shows that our relationship with God is not just about receiving from Him, but also about loving and knowing Him.
• Mark 12:30-31 - Similarly, Jesus teaches that the greatest commandment is to love God with all one's being. This highlights the importance of a personal relationship with God in following His will.
• Ezekiel 36:26-27 - God promises to give us a new heart and a new spirit, removing our stone-hearted flesh and putting His Spirit within us. This represents the transformative power of God's presence in our lives.
• Romans 8:11 - The Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwells within us, giving life to our mortal bodies. This is a powerful reminder that we have the power of the resurrection living inside us.
• Acts 2:38 - Peter emphasizes the importance of repentance and baptism for receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. This highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering us to follow Jesus.
• Romans 8:13-14 - We are debtors not to the flesh, but to live according to the Spirit. If we live according to the flesh, we will die, but if by the Spirit we put to death the deeds of the body, we will live. This shows that our relationship with God is a matter of life and death.

Key Takeaways

• We are not just forgiven through the cross; we have been empowered to experience a lifestyle change, with direct access to God and His presence in our lives.
• The gift of the Holy Spirit is what enables us to follow Jesus, even in the midst of challenges and temptations. We must repent and be baptized to receive this gift.
• Our relationship with God is not just about receiving from Him; it's also about loving and knowing Him. This requires building a daily relationship with Him through prayer, worship, and obedience.
• We have the power of the resurrection living inside us, empowering us to put to death the deeds of our flesh and live according to the Spirit.

This Week's Challenge

This week, take time to reflect on your relationship with God. Ask yourself: Am I just going through the motions, or am I truly building a daily relationship with Him? Are there areas where you need to repent and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit? Make a plan to spend more time in prayer and worship this week, seeking to know and love God more deeply.

Reflection Questions

• What does it mean for me to have direct access to God's presence in my life? How can I prioritize building a daily relationship with Him?
• How has the gift of the Holy Spirit empowered you to follow Jesus? Are there areas where you need more of His power and enablement?
• What does it mean for me to live according to the Spirit, rather than the flesh? How can I put to death the deeds of my body and live a life that honors God?